Career Progression

Being a leader is not just about rank or grade, individuals at every level are exposed to situations which require them to demonstrate leadership ability.  The nature of the service we deliver and the role we perform within the community brings significant responsibility and a belief that everyone on our organisation is capable of fulfilling a leadership role.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland values its staff and places considerable investment in developing the technical skills and leadership qualities required for career progression. Our pragmatic approach to developing staff recognises that both the organisation and the individual have a responsibility to contribute towards development.

On completion of your probationary period a range of opportunities will be open to you through internal promotion and vacancy processes.

Pre-employment learning

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has collaborated with The Open University to develop an e-learning course titled “Collaborative problem solving for community safety” which offers a range of techniques for community police officers, other community-based public service professionals and members of community groups working to solve problems collaboratively and creatively.

Induction training

On appointment, all police staff are required to complete a number of online learning programmes as part of their induction training.

As most police staff roles within the Police Service of Northern Ireland will require the role holder to have access to specialist computer systems, police staff will be required to complete specific training on these systems. The vast majority of systems training is delivered in house.  If this is not covered as part of any induction programme, your Line Manager will discuss these requirements with you at the start of your employment.

Continuous Professional Development

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has an established culture of continuous professional development linked to the internal Performance Management review system. Each year staff must identify a specific CPD Objective to maintain competence in their role. 

A CPD objective will be agreed with your Line Manager who may suggest that you consider one of the Police Service of Northern Ireland specific e-learning programmes which are accessible via the internal learning system.

Leadership Training

The NI Police College leadership training team strive to support the organisation to achieve its aim of keeping people safe by delivering appropriate training and support to police officers and police staff, improving their policing, business and executive skills.

The NI Police College is an approved centre for the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). The Leadership training team offer police staff and police officers the opportunity to gain accreditation for a number of courses of study and qualifications via the CMI and ILM.

In addition to the courses offered, the Leadership training team continually develop new ways to improve leadership management and command within the organisation. 

As part of ongoing leadership programmes, leadership training also facilitates webinars, workshops and classes to assist in your ongoing development and address topical issues for leaders.

Emerging Leaders Programme

The NI Police College leadership team delivers the Emerging Leaders Programme for supervisory leaders and managers. Police staff have benefited from this training as the course provides participants with an opportunity to develop their personal learning and skills in management and leadership, share key practice and establish learning networks with other managers.

The programme focuses on how effective management and leadership impacts on performance, team effectiveness, engagement and increased wellbeing.  Participants gain understanding of how their own leadership style and personality preference can impact on their performance as a leader.

Established Leaders Programme

A series of workshops and masterclasses addressing topical issues for leaders at this level. This is an evolving and a reflective programme being introduced to meet specific needs and demands.

Executive Leadership Programme

These are bespoke senior workshop events designed for the executive leadership within the organisation. These events reinforce the standards expected of all leaders within the organisation and may be further supported by standalone events such as workshops.